There’s nothing quite as comforting as a big pot of beef stew simmering away on the stove. This Classic Stovetop Beef Stew is the kind of recipe that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. Tender chunks of beef, soft carrots, potatoes, and a rich, savory broth it’s comfort food at its absolute finest. Trust me, this is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again, especially on chilly nights when you need a hearty, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love Classic Stovetop Beef Stew

Name: Classic Stovetop Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes; 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup red wine (optional, or additional broth); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 2 stalks celery, sliced; 1 cup frozen peas; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special Sunday meal.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable cuts of beef and humble veggies to create a luxurious dish.
Quick and Easy: Hands-on time is minimal the stove does most of the work.
Customizable: Add your favorite root vegetables or swap the broth for red wine for deeper flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Classic Stovetop Beef Stew

Here’s the magic behind this dish it turns basic ingredients into a flavorful, stick-to-your-ribs meal. Let’s break it down:
Beef Chuck: The ideal cut for stew, becoming tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
Onions: Add sweetness and depth of flavor to the broth.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and color to the stew.
Potatoes: Make the dish hearty and filling.
Celery: Adds an aromatic base flavor.
Garlic: For a punch of savory flavor.
Beef Broth: Creates the rich, savory base of the stew.
Tomato Paste: Adds a little acidity and depth.
Flour: Helps thicken the broth into a luscious gravy.
Herbs: Bay leaves, thyme, and parsley for classic flavor.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Brown the Beef: Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Build the Flavor: Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot, sautéing until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in a splash of beef broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom for maximum flavor.
Simmer the Stew: Return the beef to the pot, add the rest of the beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 1 ½–2 hours until the beef is tender.
Add the Potatoes: Stir in the potatoes and cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes until they’re fork-tender.
Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for brightness.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread for dipping!

Nutrition Facts: Servings: 6 Calories per serving: 420
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 2 ½ hours Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

How to Serve Classic Stovetop Beef Stew

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with warm crusty bread or buttery biscuits to soak up the gravy.
Pair with a light green salad for freshness.
Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution.
Don’t rush the simmering—the longer it cooks, the more tender the beef becomes.
If you like a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes.
Add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
This stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, brisket or round can work, but chuck is the most tender and flavorful for stews.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day. Just reheat gently on the stove.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, parsnips, turnips, or peas are great additions.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and veggies first, then cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
5. Can I freeze beef stew?
Definitely—let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.
6. How can I make the stew richer in flavor?
Use a bit of red wine and fresh herbs, and don’t skip browning the beef.
7. What potatoes work best?
Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape better than russets.
8. Can I thicken it without flour?
Yes, use cornstarch or arrowroot slurry instead.
9. How do I prevent overcooking the veggies?
Add delicate veggies like peas at the very end of cooking.
10. Can I make it spicy?
Sure! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like some heat.

Conclusion

Classic Stovetop Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food. With its tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and rich, savory broth, it’s a dish that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights at home, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll treasure and make for years to come. One spoonful and you’ll understand why it’s a timeless favorite!

Classic Stovetop Beef Stew

Author: Madison
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Classic Stovetop Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish filled with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and a rich, flavorful broth slow-simmered to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional, or additional broth)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, adding more oil if needed. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium, add onion and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw taste.
Slowly pour in beef broth and wine (if using), scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and browned beef.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Add carrots and potatoes and continue cooking for another 45 minutes until beef and vegetables are tender.
Stir in peas and cook for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a thicker stew, remove 1/2 cup of broth, mix with 1 tbsp flour, and stir back into the pot.
This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.